Courses and Workshops
EXPLORING FICTION
Kate is offering TWO opportunities to join her Exploring Fiction group. These workshop-format sessions aim to deepen your understanding of how fiction works through the traditional method of close reading– a.k.a. learning from the best.
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They also provide regular feedback on your own work, as well as the encouragement, support and stimulation of a varied group of writers from around the world. You are encouraged to share your work, its influences, and aims, develop your skills and confidence and push your writing to its limits.
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EXPLORING FICTION is suitable for anyone who is already motivated to write, but keen to stretch their writing muscles. The close-reading element will be accessible to writers at all levels of ability as well as those with English as a second language.
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TIME: Recurring MONDAYS 1-3pm (starts 15th April; ends 17th May);
WEDNESDAYS 6- 8pm (starts 17th April; ends 22nd May)
DURATION: 6 week blocks.
LOCATION: Online via ZOOM
COSTS: £155 discounted rate if full course fee paid in advance, or £30 per session.
TUTOR: Kate Worsley (Find out more about Kate here).
HOW TO BOOK: Contact Kate
'Seriously though, these sessions have been life-changing. Joining was the best decision I ever made.’ Exploring Fiction writer 2023
THE BOOK WRITERS GROUP
We are no longer taking bookings for this course. Please contact Petra for more options.
Petra offers two focused book writing support groups. You must either be undertaking a long-term project or be working regularly on shorter fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry.
Each week members of the class send each other up to 1000 words to be reviewed by each other and the tutor. The workshop then takes the form of positive feedback and areas for improvement. Occasionally Petra will run a skills workshop where she feels the group as a whole will benefit.
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We are looking for committed writers only as the work is time-intensive for students and the teacher. There will be a maximum of seven students.
DATES: Weekly throughout the year (with holidays). Starting 18th September
TIME: Friday at 10 am; Monday at 2 pm.
LOCATION: Online via ZOOM
COSTS: £25 per class paid in half-termly blocks.
TUTOR: Petra McQueen (Find out more about Petra here)
HOW TO BOOK: Contact Petra
"Petra McQueen is an extremely capable and knowledgeable team leader."
MONTHLY MONDAY MORNING POETRY WORKSHOP
Through monthly study/set homework on a new theme each session, and writing exercises aimed at developing your inner voice and observational artistry, you will gain skills in crafting your poetry, and editing your material with like-minded others.
After attending a few sessions, you will have written and edited a small collection of your own material, and you will have had the opportunity to explore a broad range of poetic themes and styles.
Feel free to drop in each month, or book a block of six.
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DATES: These workshops run regularly throughout the year - please contact Lelia to express an interest
TIME: 9:30am - 12:30pm
LOCATION: Various in North East Essex
COSTS: £18 per session/drop in, £100 for block of 6
TUTOR: Lelia Ferro
HOW TO BOOK: contact Lelia here.
"I totally enjoyed the course, such a different experience, different people and different craft to my norm. You have such a beautiful warmth and authenticity about you which comes through in the way you shared with, and lead, the group."
THE WOMEN WRITERS CIRCLE
A bumper coaching & co-working programme to help you realise your writing dreams. It provides, gentle accountability, a supportive community (capped at 7 participants) and help to move beyond your limiting beliefs. You’ll develop the habit of showing up for your writing… and for yourself!
Comprises,
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A 1-to-1 introductory session with your coach
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A 90-minute workshop to clarify your writing project
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Six bi-weekly 90-minute group sessions that blend themed discussion and tailored coaching
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Weekly (optional) 3-hour co-working sessions and drop-in Q&A times.
All sessions led by an experienced coach who is also a writer.
You can be at any stage of your writing journey and working on any project. For more details see Arlene's website.
DATES: Running throughout the year. Please contact Arlene for details.
TIME: Contact Arlene for details.
LOCATION: Zoom
COSTS: £450. You can pay in three installments.
TUTOR: Arlene Francey Lyne
HOW TO BOOK: contact Arlene here.
If you have to choose one thing to make your dream of being a writer real, choose this. Arlene will motivate and empower you beyond your wildest dreams. Writer’s block will become a distant memory and your fears and insecurities will take a back seat to make way for mind blowing action.
I cannot recommend it highly enough, a positive experience in every way.
WORSLEY WRITE CLUB
FREE co-writing sessions on Wednesday mornings. Focused silent time to work on your writing project. No sharing or feedback required, just companionable writing. Level access. Trained barista to hand. Proper cafe just across the road. Too many books on the shelves begging to be bought though! The venue is 20 min walk from Manningtree station or you can catch the104 bus from Colchester and Harwich. Parking is free on streets and in the Coop car park nearby.
DATES: Every Wednesday
TIME: 10am -12.30pm
LOCATION: Manningtree Arts, 19 High St, Manningtree CO11 1AG
COSTS: Free!
TUTOR: Kate Worsley
HOW TO BOOK: contact Kate here.
Really enjoyed it! I got more writing done that I would normally do in a couple of weeks
UNLEASH YOUR BOOK - HOW TO SELF-PUBLISH
Congratulations! You’re writing a book but are unsure about what happens next, and how to self- publish?
This one-day course is an exciting introduction to self-publishing. It will answer your questions and explore the six essential steps to successfully navigate the self-publishing route.
· Why your book is important.
· Understand your genre and define your ideal reader
· Get the inside right - tighten your manuscript
· Who judges a book by it’s cover? Everyone! Introduction to cover design.
· Marketing basics
The workshop will take place in an interactive group setting via Zoom with the opportunity to practice skills and discuss concerns.
DATES: TBD. Please contact Angela for details.
TIME: 9-4.30pm with breaks for lunch and coffee
LOCATION: Zoom
COSTS: £50
TUTOR: Angela Cairns
HOW TO BOOK: contact Angela here.
With insider knowledge and a warm friendly manner, Angela really helped me understand all the ins and outs of self- publishing
STARTING OUT IN FICTION
This introductory six-week course will get you started as a writer. Learn how to read and think and work like a writer; and identify and understand the basic techniques and elements of good writing.
Receive expert feedback on your writing and build community, skills and confidence by sharing your work with your peers. By the end of the course you will have a portfolio of new short pieces for you to develop further.
This course is suitable for anyone who enjoys writing and wants to learn new skills and build their confidence.
DATES: TBD please contact Kate for details.
TIME: 6-8pm
LOCATION: Zoom
COSTS: £155
TUTOR: Kate Worsley
HOW TO BOOK: contact Kate here.
Kate makes you feel like anything is possible with your writing - do this!